If you think Okinawa is all beaches and palm trees, buckle up, buttercup. This island chain throws more festivals than your cousin throws karaoke parties after two beers. From centuries-old tug-of-war showdowns to epic boat races where grown adults paddle like their pride depends on it — because it does — there’s always something going on.
Think fireworks, food that slaps, and enough traditional dance to burn off the third helping of pork belly you didn’t need but definitely ate. No matter the season, Okinawa’s got a reason to party, and you’re invited — whether you came for the culture or just accidentally followed a taiko drum parade into town.
Upcoming Okinawa Local Events (From June 2025)
Last updated May 30, 2025. Events may be canceled and dates are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the latest updates.
| Event Name (English) | Keywords in Japanese | Date | Location | Audience | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May Umachi (Gungwachi Umachi) | 五月ウマチー（グングヮチウマチー） | June 10, 2025 | Various locations in Okinawa Main Island | Those interested in traditional culture | An important agricultural ritual that highlights the role of women in the community |
| Okinawa Memorial Day | 慰霊の日 | June 23, 2025 | Itoman City | Those interested in history and who wish for peace | A time to reflect on the end of the Battle of Okinawa and the importance of peace |
| Itoman Haarii Boat Race | 糸満ハーレー | Early June 2025 (tentative) | Itoman City | Those interested in sea-related festivals | Experience the passion of fishermen and the excitement of traditional Haarii boat races |
| Eisa Night | Eisa Night | Mid June to Early July 2025 (tentative) | Various locations | Those interested in traditional performing arts | Enjoy powerful Eisa performances in a relaxed setting |
| Shonan no Kaze TOUR 2025 | 湘南乃風 TOUR 2025 | June 07, 2025 | Okinawa City | Fans of Shonan no Kaze | Enjoy live performances by popular artists |
| THE IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls 10th Anniversary Tour | THE IDOLM@STER シンデレラガールズ 10周年ツアー | June 07, 2025 | Okinawa Suntory Arena | Anime and game fans | Experience a commemorative live performance of popular content |
| FC Ryukyu Home Game | FC琉球 ホームゲーム | June 14, 2025 | Okinawa Prefectural Comprehensive Athletic Park | Soccer fans | Watch exciting matches by the local pro team |
| Okinawa Collection 2025 | 沖縄コレクション 2025 | June 21, 2025 | Okinawa City | Those interested in fashion | Experience the latest fashion trends |
| June Umachi (Rukugwachi) | 六月ウマチー（ルクグァチ） | July 09, 2025 | Various locations | Those interested in traditional culture | A major agricultural ritual praying for a good rice harvest |
| June Kashichi | 六月カシチー | July 19, 2025 | Various locations | Those interested in traditional and food culture | A glutinous rice ritual giving thanks for the harvest |
| Ocean Expo Park Summer Festival | 海洋博公園サマーフェスティバル | July 05, 2025 | Motobu Town | Families, couples, and fireworks lovers | An artistic show blending music and fireworks |
| Camp Foster Festival | キャンプ・フォスターフェスティバル | July 05, 2025 | Chatan Town | Families and those interested in American culture | Cultural experience at a US military base open event |
| Yonabaru Great Tug-of-War Festival | 与那原大綱曳きまつり | July 26, 2025 | Yonabaru Town | Those interested in traditional culture | A thrilling traditional event using a massive rope |
| Peaceful Love Rock Festival | Peaceful Love Rock Festival | Mid July 2025 (tentative) | Okinawa City | Rock music fans | Authentic festival with bands from Japan and abroad |
| Fourth of July Festival | Fourth of July Festival | July 04, 2025 | Camp Foster | Those interested in American culture | Feel the atmosphere of US Independence Day |
| Gen Hoshino Arena Tour 2025 | Gen Hoshino Arena Tour 2025 | July 12, 2025 | Okinawa Suntory Arena | Gen Hoshino fans | Enjoy performances by popular artists |
| 10,000 Eisa Dancers Parade | 一万人のエイサー踊り隊 | Early August 2025 (tentative) | Naha City | Those interested in traditional performing arts | A massive-scale Eisa parade |
| All-Okinawa Eisa Festival | 沖縄全島エイサー祭り | September 12, 2025 | Okinawa City | Those deeply interested in traditional performing arts | Top-level Eisa performances in Okinawa |
| Southern Island Star Festival | Southern Island Star Festival | Early to Mid August 2025 | Ishigaki Island | Stargazers and couples | A special night under the stars |
| Unkee (Welcoming the Ancestors) | ウンケー（お迎え） | September 04, 2025 | Various locations in Okinawa Main Island | Those interested in ancestor worship and family culture | Experience Okinawa’s traditional ancestral rituals |
| Nakanuhii (Middle Day of Obon) | ナカヌヒー（中日） | September 05, 2025 | Various locations in Okinawa Main Island | Those interested in family culture | Connect with relatives and experience altar visits |
| Uukui (Sending Off the Ancestors) | ウークイ（お送り） | September 06, 2025 | Various locations in Okinawa Main Island | Those interested in ancestor worship and family culture | The most important day of Obon, the ancestral send-off |
| 88th Birthday Celebration (Tokachi Yuuee) | 米寿祝い（トーカチユーエー） | September 29, 2025 | Various locations in Okinawa Main Island | Those interested in longevity celebration culture | Okinawa’s unique 88-year-old longevity celebration |
| Taramajima August Dance | 多良間島の八月踊り | September 29, 2025 | Tarama Island | Those interested in island culture | A unique island festival praying for harvest and prosperity |
| Orion Beer Fest Okinawa | オリオンビアフェスト沖縄 | Early September 2025 (tentative) | Okinawa City | Fans of beer, music, and festivals | Enjoy Orion beer with live music and fireworks |
| All-Okinawa Eisa Festival | All-Okinawa Eisa Festival | September 12, 2025 | Okinawa City | Those interested in Okinawan traditional performing arts | See unique Eisa performances from across Okinawa |
| Worldwide Eisa Festival | Worldwide Eisa Festival | September 2025 (tentative) | Okinawa City | Eisa fans and those interested in international exchange | View diverse Eisa styles from Japan and abroad |
| Shurijo Castle Park Mid-Autumn Celebration | Shurijo Castle Park Mid-Autumn Celebration | September 2025 (tentative) | Naha City | Cultural enthusiasts and Shuri Castle visitors | Enjoy traditional moon viewing at a historic site |
| Itoman Great Tug-of-War | Itoman Great Tug-of-War | September 2025 (tentative) | Itoman City | Those interested in traditional culture | Experience Itoman’s powerful tug-of-war |
| Uruma City Eisa Festival | うるま市エイサーまつり | August 31, 2025 | Uruma City | Those interested in Okinawan traditional performing arts | Enjoy the charm of locally rooted Eisa |
| Kume Island Festival | 久米島まつり | September 2025 (tentative) | Kume Island | Travelers to Kume Island | Experience a warm island community festival |
| August Kashichi | 八月カシチー | October 01, 2025 | Various locations in Okinawa Main Island | Those interested in traditional and culinary culture | Features red offerings of Kashichi aligned with bean harvest |
| Itoman Tug-of-War | 糸満大綱引き | October 06, 2025 | Itoman City | Those interested in traditional culture | One of Okinawa’s big three tug-of-wars, praying for harvest, bounty, and safety |
| Jugoya (15th Night Moon Festival) | 十五夜（ジューグヤ） | October 06, 2025 | Various locations in Okinawa Main Island | Those interested in traditional culture | Okinawa’s unique full moon event with fuchagi offerings |
| Naha Great Tug-of-War | 那覇大綱挽 | October 11, 2025 | Naha City | People of all ages interested in cultural experiences | Experience the Guinness-certified world’s largest tug-of-war |
| Longevity Celebration (Kajimayaa) | 長寿のお祝い（カジマヤー） | October 27, 2025 | Various locations in Okinawa Main Island | Those interested in longevity celebration culture | See Okinawa’s unique 97-year-old celebration culture |
| Chikuwsake (Chrysanthemum Sake Ritual) | 菊御酒（チクウジャキー） | October 29, 2025 | Various locations in Okinawa Main Island | Those interested in traditional culture and health | A custom wishing for health with sake topped with chrysanthemum |
| Karate Day Memorial Demonstration Festival | 空手の日記念演武祭り | October 27, 2025 | Naha City | Those interested in martial arts and karate | Watch Okinawa’s original karate demonstrations up close |
| Kitanakagusuku Festival | 北中城まつり | October 12, 2025 | Kitanakagusuku Village | Local residents and tourists | A local festival that fosters interaction with the community |
| Uruma Festival | うるま祭り | October 12, 2025 | Uruma City | Local residents and tourists | A festival full of local energy |
| Onna Festival | うんなまつり | October 2025 (tentative – dates to be confirmed) | Onna Village | Residents of Onna Village and tourists | A traditional event to engage with the local community |
| Tomigusuku Festival | とみぐすく祭り | October 19, 2025 | Tomigusuku City | Residents of Tomigusuku City and tourists | A participatory event to experience local culture |
| Okinawa Industrial Festival | 沖縄の産業まつり | Late October 2025 (tentative) | Naha City (Onoyama Park) | Business professionals and those interested in Okinawan specialties | An event showcasing Okinawa’s industries and specialties |
| Urasoe Tedako Festival | 浦添てだこまつり | October 26, 2025 | Urasoe City | Residents of Urasoe City and tourists | A festival blending traditional and modern local culture |
| Noguni Soukan Festival | Noguni Soukan Festival | October 2025 ((tentative)) | Kadena Town | Local residents and tourists | A community event highlighting Kadena Town’s culture and history |
| Kume Island Marathon | Kume Island Marathon | October 2025 ((tentative)) | Kume Island | Marathon runners | A scenic island marathon through beautiful nature |
| Shishimai Festival (Lion Dance) | Shishimai Festival（獅子舞） | October or August 2025 (tentative) | Uruma City | Those interested in traditional performing arts | A rare chance to enjoy Okinawa’s traditional lion dance up close |
| Yomitan Festival | Yomitan Festival | October 2025 ((tentative)) | Yomitan Village | Yomitan residents and tourists | Potters from Yomitan Village gather to exhibit and sell Yachimun pottery |
| Iheya Moonlight Marathon | Iheya Moonlight Marathon | October 2025 ((tentative)) | Iheya Village | Marathon runners and seekers of unique experiences | A magical moonlit marathon experience |
| World Eisa Competition | 世界エイサー大会 | Mid December 2025 (tentative) | Ginowan City | Eisa fans and those interested in international exchange | View diverse Eisa styles from Japan and abroad |
| NAHA Marathon | NAHAマラソン | Early December 2025 (tentative) | Naha City to Southern Okinawa Area | Marathon runners | A popular race through the scenic southern Okinawa |
| Toonji (Winter Solstice) | 冬至（トゥンジー） | December 22, 2025 | Various locations in Okinawa Main Island | Those interested in traditional culture | Experience Okinawa’s winter solstice porridge custom for good health |
| Yomitan Pottery Market | Yomitan Pottery Market | Mid December 2025 (tentative) | Yomitan Village | Pottery lovers | Yomitan potters gather to showcase and sell Yachimun pottery |
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